New Canadian studies reveal a disturbing link between cannabis use disorder and increased risk of death and psychosis, raising public health concerns about the growing acceptance and potency of marijuana.

Two groundbreaking Canadian studies have shed light on the potentially devastating consequences of cannabis use disorder (CUD), painting a concerning picture of its impact on public health. The studies, the largest of their kind to date, delve into the correlation between CUD and increased mortality rates, as well as the rising incidence of psychosis linked to cannabis use since legalization.

 

A Deadly Dependence: Cannabis Use Disorder and Mortality

A study published Thursday revealed a stark reality: individuals diagnosed with cannabis use disorder face a significantly higher risk of death compared to the general population. The study, which examined data from over 100,000 patients in Ontario, found that those with CUD had a mortality rate almost three times higher than their counterparts without the disorder within a five-year period.

The findings are particularly alarming when considering the specific causes of death. Patients with CUD were ten times more likely to die by suicide, highlighting the profound mental health challenges often associated with the disorder. Additionally, they exhibited a higher likelihood of succumbing to trauma, drug poisonings, and lung cancer.

While the study suggests that CUD may be less dangerous than opioid or alcohol use disorders, the researchers emphasized that it still poses a significant public health threat. Dr. Daniel Myran, the study's lead author, cautioned that the findings are likely underestimates of cannabis's true toll, as many individuals struggling with CUD may not seek treatment.

 

Legalization's Shadow: Cannabis and Psychosis

A second study, released earlier in the week, explored the impact of Canada's cannabis legalization on rates of psychosis and schizophrenia. While the study found that rates of schizophrenia remained stable, it revealed a concerning increase in cannabis-linked psychosis cases since legalization.

The percentage of schizophrenia cases attributable to CUD nearly tripled during the legalization period, rising from 3.7% to 10.3%. Moreover, the rate of psychosis (without a diagnosis of schizophrenia) almost doubled after cannabis was legalized.

The study identified young adults aged 19 to 24 as the most vulnerable group, a demographic already susceptible to mental health disorders. Dr. Jodi Gilman, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, highlighted the "double hit" faced by young adults, whose developing brains are particularly vulnerable to the effects of cannabis, while also being at an age where psychosis and schizophrenia often manifest.

 

A Call for Awareness and Intervention

 These studies serve as a wake-up call, urging a reevaluation of the perceived harmlessness of cannabis. Experts emphasize that the marijuana available today is far more potent than in the past, making it a public health concern akin to alcohol.

The findings underscore the urgent need for increased awareness about the risks associated with cannabis use disorder, as well as comprehensive interventions, monitoring, and prevention strategies. As cannabis use continues to rise, it is crucial to address the potential harms and provide support for those struggling with dependence and its devastating consequences.